HOW Conference: Modern Dog

Today I was fortunate to listen to Robynne Ray and Michael Strassburger speak about their design agency Modern Dog. I found everything they talked about to be really inspirational. Much like Sagmeister they talked about their roots and how they got started and where they are now. Check out their website, ModernDog.com.

They both met in Art School and both had a passion for good concepts, music and art. What defined then was the first couple jobs they started with as a company. A snowboarding company and the cool Blue Q stuff you find at funky stores.

There work never looks the same and they always do the unexpected. The picture on the left is a book of all the posters they've done and it's amazing. Stuff for bands, theater, art events, etc. One of the things I hate is when speakers are arrogant and speak down to you. It's like and ego boost for them. These guys didn't and they were funny and honest with how they do things. There was real chemistry between them and you could tell that they've done it all. The talked about the process of how they develop their work which was really helpful. The reason why is because we designers have a hard time connecting the "conceptual" dots. Sometimes it just happens and other times the concept falls apart becasue you didn't have a base to begin with. Modern Dog is rooted and absurd and crazy ideas that make you laugh or ponder. They take inspiration from each other, the internet, their dogs and from the world around them. They balance their week by being meeting all expectations and goofing off so they have the metal capacity to do the stuff they do.

After they were done I ran to the book store and bought the book shown above because they were doing a book signing. I go to talk with Mike a bit and I can honestly say that he's a really good guy. Thanks for the message Mike! He liked my tats :)

I saw three other seminars today which I want to write about, but I have to run so expect those to come.